METHODS

Design:

Allocation:

Blinding:

Follow up period:

12 months after stroke onset.

Setting:

a stroke rehabilitation unit in London, UK.

Patients:

300 patients (median 76 y, 53% men) admitted to the stroke unit and their caregivers. Patients had to be independent in activities
of daily living (ADL) before the stroke, medically and neurologically stable, and expected to return home with residual disability.
Caregivers were defined as the main person (other than the health, social, or voluntary care provider) who helped with ADL
and advocated for the patient; they could have no notable disability (Rankin score 0–2) and had to be …